James Starks to visit Steelers

Last year, the Steelers passed twice on running back Eddie Lacy, opting instead for Le’Veon Bell in round two. But passing on Lacy may have helped open the door for another tailback in Pittsburgh.

Packers free agent James Starks is available and unneeded in Green Bay. Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Starks will visit the Steelers on Monday.

Through four seasons, Starks has never rushed for more than 578 in any one year. But he emerged as the starter during the postseason of his rookie year, starting four games and racking up 315 yards in a sixth-seed run that culminated in a Super Bowl win over the Steelers.

I would hate to lose Starks. He’s not an every down running back, but is very effective with 10-12 carries per game. A good compliment to Eddie Lacy, who has the brightest future of any running back in the division.

Unfortunately some team will throw a boatload of money at Starks, not use him properly, and his history of injuries will continue.

Two key reasons:
1. Sproules was traded to the Eagles. Steelers need all their draft choices especially if Tomlin’s sideline dance costs them one.

2. $$$

The Red Rifle said: Andy Dalton is better than your team’s QB.

Are you Andy Dalton’s mother? Andy Dalton’s next playoff game (if he gets into another) could be his last if he doesn’t WIN. His record sucks in the playoffs so he’s only better than other QBs who haven’t gotten in.

Starks in the past was a running back that just sort of slowly decided when a hole was open and then plowed ahead for 3 yards as the hole closed up.

Last year he seemed to hit the holes a lot quicker and ran with some meanness. I think he’s got the right idea how to run in the NFL now; don’t dance before you get to the hole but rather attack it and dance over the smaller DBs trying to tackle you.

I see him having a better start to the 2nd half of his career no matter where he plays next season.

I like Starks in the role he was in GB. One weakness is that he is at best an average pass receiver, and is not a good pass blocker at all. If he could block, Kuhn would have been gone from GB last year.

Everybody in GB loves Starks. He simply cannot stay healthy for a full season which is a shame. Great hands, good blocker, slasher. Would be a 1,000 yard guy but he’s got faulty wheels. Appreciate what he did to end 2010 with a championship.

I hope he stays in GB – very good situational back. A pleasant surprise in the last game of the year against the Bears. Carry average of 4.4 yds. He’d do well supporting Bell in Pitt too. C’mon TT pay the man.